Academic Job Interviews

The academic job market in the U.S. is a lot like Bridgerton. There are seasons, diamonds, and a show of deference to those in power. This whole process felt so damaging and obscure when I was a new postdoc that I sat out my first potential season.

In case you also feel the process is cryptic, I’m breaking down the academic job interview process today. This is based on my experience serving on multiple search committees, going on six in-person interviews, and talking with colleagues who’ve been through the process. My perspective is limited to the U.S. I’ve only interviewed at schools of psychology, education, and public health - a mix of RI, RII and graduate focused schools. Although my experience is not universal, I hope having some information helps you feel more grounded.

Here’s a typical season in the U.S. for an assistant-level or equivalent rank job (the process is more fluid for higher-ranked jobs). The season usually runs from summer to fall:

• A search committee (often faculty from the department or school) works with administrators to create a job ad and circulates it widely. Job ads are usually posted in the summer or fall. Here’s a sample job ad from my department.
• The search committee reviews all submitted applications. They create a shortlist of people to interview via phone or Zoom.
• Phone/Zoom interviews. This is a first round interview. It’s your chance to make a great impression. Be ready to answer these types of questions. Explain how you fit the school and what expertise you bring. Prepare heavily if you receive an invitation. You’ll stand out as a great colleague who has done their research.
• Campus interview phase. From the phone/Zoom interviews, the committee invites 3 to 4 people, maximum, for an on campus interview. Interviews typically consist of a job talk (here are tips for job talks), interviews with key faculty and administrators, meetings with students, and social events (e.g., informal breakfasts, lunches, or dinners). Every part of the day(s) is part of the interview. You’ll usually have to answer the types of questions mentioned above. There will also be time for you to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the same questions of different people to get a sense for the feel of the school. These interviews are marathons, unfortunately. Bring snacks, water, and a laptop and pointer as a backup for your job talk. Take any break available to you.
• Decision on offers. The committee solicits feedback on your visit. Everyone you interacted with usually has a chance to provide input on how you fit with the school. Decisions on how campus interview candidates are ranked differs by school (e.g., it’s a school-wide vote, the search committee solicits input and decides, deans weigh in, etc.).
• An offer is made. Administrators (usually deans or chairs) make an offer to the top choice candidate. How much or what they offer is usually a discussion between higher-level administrators (e.g., deans and the Provost), informed by past offers. This part of the process can move quickly or slowly. Sometimes there are many layers of approval before an offer can be made. Sometimes the offer has been made to someone else, and you are kept waiting while the first choice candidate makes a decision.

More can be said on all of the steps above (e.g., how to negotiate). But I hope this short overview helps you understand the general process. And let me be clear, the academic job market is brutal. You can be an outstanding candidate and not make it to any of the interview stages or the offer stage.

If you know someone who might be interested in today’s post, would you mind forwarding it to them? Thanks for reading and believing that scholars deserve support for incredible ideas.

Betty

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P.S. Let me know if you have questions you want me to cover in the newsletter. I’ve gotten a few emails about the job process lately, which is why I covered it today.

P.P.S. Ritz crackers have a zigzag pattern on the back in Australia. My American family was so shocked by this I had to take a picture. What pattern do Ritz have where you are?